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| First night of my retreat |
This week I went away for my annual January prayer retreat. For
two days I spent time in prayer, reading, and reflection.
I’ve been taking prayer retreats two or
three times a year for the last 20 years or so. Why? The short answer (and I’m not trying to be cute) is
that I admire Christ. Actually I can’t imagine not taking prayer retreats.
Being alone with Him for extended periods helps me know Him better. It also
keeps me sane and (I think) makes me a better Christian.
But I’m writing this because I want to convince you to take
prayer retreats. Let me try some Q & A.
What is a prayer
retreat?
My friend Paul Becker, President of Dynamic Church Planting International, has a great definition: A time you set aside to go away
to be with God.
- “A time you set aside” means you have to plan for a prayer retreat or it won’t happen.
- “to go away.” Okay, you could stay home and set aside time for a prayer retreat. To me, though, it’s a little like a “stay-cation.” You can do vacation from home if you have to, but it’s definitely plan B.
- “to be with God.” That’s the main purpose. Without a prayer retreat, how much actual time do you spend with the Lord each day, just you and Him? Maybe an hour a day? A lot less?
So what kind of time are we talking about for a prayer retreat?
I’ve had helpful prayer retreats that were only a few hours in length. But for me, getting away for at least an overnight is best. A couple nights is even better.
But why take a prayer
retreat?
- To spend time with Jesus, just you and Him.
- To refresh your soul and clear your head,
- To intercede for specific people. My January retreat is mainly for my family.
- To seek God’s will on specific issues and questions.
One last thing for now: Jesus took prayer retreats. …great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of
their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray (Luke
5:15, 16, ESV).
